For some reason, the subject of politics always seems to wake the “raging beast” within people. I find this unproductive, and completely contrary to my site’s theme. Therefore, it is with soft footsteps I venture into recent government decisions.

That said, if something endangers individual and collective spirituality, then I feel it is within the mission of this blog to raise a voice. It is my belief that the US Bailouts are a serious breach of our Constitutional liberty, and this course of action presents great spiritual danger as well as political. Over 30 years ago a prophetic message was given, which sheds light on this subject. Sadly, the warning has gone unheeded, and the consequences are being fulfilled. However, knowledge is power, my friends!

The attached video contains excerpts of a talk given by President Ezra Taft Benson on April 12, 1977 to the students at Brigham Young University, entitled A Vision And A Hope For The Youth Of Zion. At the time of this speech, Benson was serving as one of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his lifetime, Elder Benson had the unusual experience to serve concurrently as an LDS Apostle, and as US Secretary of Agriculture in Washington DC under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953-1961. Elder Benson was admired not only as a man who possessed great spiritual strength, but also for his intellect and integrity.

Benson was a life-long supporter and champion of the American Constitution, which modern prophets have testified repeatedly is a divinely inspired document. Latter-day Saints throughout the world take their responsibilities as citizens seriously, in whatever country we may reside. We believe in keeping the laws of the land, and doing all within our power to protect and defend freedom. (Article of Faith 12) Here’s a major reason why we believe this is so important:

“The gospel of Jesus Christ can prosper only in an atmosphere of freedom. As members of his Church, we have a major responsibility to do all in our power to see that freedom is preserved and safeguarded.” – Benson

Ezra Taft Benson became the 13th prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 10, 1985. I encourage you to listen carefully to his prophetic warning given in 1977, and if you have the time, studying the entire transcript is very rewarding. Here are some significant points to ponder, (with video time stamp):

“If we continue to follow the trend in which we are heading today, two things will inevitably result: first, a loss of our personal freedom, and second, financial bankruptcy.This is the price we pay when we turn away from God and the principles which he has taught and turn to government to do everything for us. It is the formula by which nations become enslaved.” (at 2:39)

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“Compulsory benevolence is not charity.” (at 6:00)

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“President Grover Cleveland said–and we believe as a people–that though the people support the government, the government should not support the people.”- (at 7:04)

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“…with increased benefits and greater numbers of recipients, even though the tax base has been increased, we will have larger deficits in the future…” (at 8:00)

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“…We cannot long pursue the present trend without its bringing us to national insolvency.” (at 8:49)

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This talk also clearly addresses the definition of Socialism & Communism, and details the devastation that a “Redistribution of Wealth” system creates:

In the concluding thoughts of Benson’s talk (not heard on this video), are these words:

“You are not here to be a parasite or freeloader. The price you pay for “something for nothing” may be more than you can afford. Do not rationalize your acceptance of government gratuities by saying, “I am a contributing taxpayer too.” By doing this you contribute to the problem which is leading this nation to financial insolvency.“

“Society may rationalize immorality, but God cannot condone it. Society sponsors Sabbath breaking, but the Church counsels otherwise. Society profanes the name of Deity, but Latter-day Saints cannot countenance it. Because society condones a dole, which demoralizes man and weakens his God-given initiative and character, can we?“

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My take-home message: Each of us has the choice to be either a part of the problem or a part of the solution. We can choose to teach our children by example the joy of work, the ability to postpone our wants, and to embrace economic independence by not allowing ourselves to become enslaved by debt. If our country is to be truly healed, it must come from within.

Amen, Sister! We have failed to stop the dive into Socialism that President Benson prosephied. What he chose to focus on as a president of the Church was the Book of Mormon. It certainly contains a lot of true principles where government is concerned! I want to make that a matter of study, I think. Thank you for this post. It is BADLY needed.

Hi MoSop, you know, I do agree with this, but remember, Jesus said these things must happen, and that when you see these things you know that the Son of man is near. Jesus said this, and sadly, He knew people would be this way, He knows us so well, doesn’t He? It has been made known to me BY GOD that the anti-christ is now in this world, and in about 30 to 40 years from now, he will ascend to power, all signs point to Israel, and the city of Jerusalem. It was there that Jesus took His last bow on the cross for us all, and where the anti-christ will declare himself to be god, and where he will be over thrown by our Lord. We of course will no longer be a world power, (not THE world power anyway), and in many ways, the United States will be like the other nations at that time. It’s sad you know? But Halleluia, HE IS COMING, REJOICE!!!!

Thank you so much for your beautiful, inspired blog. I appreciate your messages and mission. . .

This post is especially timely. It has been saddening to see our great country sliding into the “black hole” of spiraling debt and socialism. This message by President Benson is certainly timely and vital.

Happy spring! May you be blessed for your diligence and service. . . (I love the Tabernacle Choir.)

I agree wholeheartedly! But not only with you, but with the prophet. I have a testimony that he was, indeed, a prophet of God…A personal experience I won’t go into here, but I know he was telling the truth. However, I refuse to give in to fear. I know that, through Christ, I am more than conqueror! Because of other prophecies, I know it will all work out in the end and, although there will be hardships, again,through Christ, I can conquer them all!

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